| abstract |
An ablation catheter comprising, in an exemplary embodiment, a probe having a proximal end and a distal end and an electrode which is axially displaceable along the probe. A first pull cable is attached to the electrode, extends from the electrode towards the distal end of the probe, and doubles back through the catheter for pulling the electrode toward the distal end of the probe. The first pull cable is disposed within a lumen formed in the catheter that extends substantially from the distal end to the proximal end. A second pull cable is attached to the opposite end of the electrode and extends from the electrode toward the proximal end of the catheter for pulling the electrode away from the distal end. The second pull cable is disposed within a lumen formed in the catheter. Both pull cables are coupled to an actuator mechanism at the proximal end of the catheter for effecting axial movement of the electrode relative to the distal tip of the probe by selectively tensioning the respective pull cables. |